Institute of Facial and Oral Surgery

If you are looking for an alternative to dentures and would like to replace your missing teeth, dental implants may be for you. Dental implants are a popular long-term method for restoring your smile. Many people decide to get dental implants after they have experienced loss of teeth due to variety of reasons. Dental implants give you back your freedom from missing teeth.

Who gets dental implants?

Those who are in overall good health and are looking for a long-term solution for their missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. This includes those who are tired of dentures and are looking for a more comfortable and convenient alternative.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

There are many advantages of getting dental implants, including:

Convenience: dental implants are a long-term option for replacing missing teeth. They have the added benefit of being a permanent fixture in your mouth unlike dentures that can be abrasive to the gums and can cause difficulty speaking.

Easier eating: you may have found that eating has become more difficult with missing teeth. A dental implant allows for more efficient chewing and will allow you to enjoy your favorite foods once again.

Improved appearance: Dental implants look and feel like real teeth. They can be designed with the same color and shape as your surrounding teeth, making them natural looking

Confidence: Dental implants can give you a youthful appearance and increased self-esteem. You may find yourself smiling more than ever with your new implants.

How do I care for my dental implant?

The great thing about dental implants is that they require the same care as real teeth. This means regular brushing, flossing and routine dental checkups. If taken care of properly, your new implant can last you a lifetime!

Plastic surgery has always carried an infamously pretentious price tag according to the media and the public. Many people assume that anything cosmetic will carry a giant price tag. However, can one truly put a price tag on confidence and self-esteem?
Gone are the days that only luxury A- list celebrities and socialites were able to afford cosmetic indulgences. We pride ourselves on offering top quality products on a competitive price scale that everyone can afford. One affordable product we offer is an injectable called Botox. Botox is a simple, virtually pain-free, non –invasive solution for enhancing appearances and helping with our clients’ insecurities. Botox does most commonly target fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles – a point of dismay for many women and men alike! Aside from the cosmetic benefits, Botox has been proven to help combat other factors that may affect your day-to-day life such as: excessive sweating, headaches, and areas of chronic pain.
Most injections take less than fifteen minutes and can be done on your lunch break! There is no need to prepare for the treatment or undergo anesthesia. The best results are usually visible a week after your treatment and can last a few months. Botox is offered not only by plastic surgeons, but often times dermatologists and dentists also!
Especially in today’s “selfie” society, we want you to put your most confident you forward. We will provide a customized cost for you dependent on your area of treatment, however we know that your happiness and satisfaction are truly priceless. Save your morning coffee fund or cancel that gym membership you do not use- this is an investment you will not regret!
All in all, Botox can improve your self-esteem in ways that you never imagined. Indulge yourself by investing in you!
Call us today at Leesburg Office Phone Number (703) 729-0077 for more information and to see if you are a good candidate for Botox.

You may have heard in the past that dental implants are one of the most effective ways to replace missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants are a great option for a lot of different situations, but when is getting a dental implant the best option for you? There are a few circumstances where receiving an implant might be the best option for improving your smile.

Dental implants typically consist of three components: the post, the abutment, and the restoration. The post is a screw which is inserted into the bone. The abutment is attached to the post and the restoration is placed on top, giving the finished product a beautiful, realistic look.

To restore and preserve your appearance.

One of the main functions of dental implants is to restore a smile back to its original glory. They are built to last a lifetime and last much longer than dental bridges. If you are looking for a permanent solution to damaged or missing teeth, dental implants are your best option.

To protect and preserve a healthy jawbone.

Missing spaces in your smile can lead your jawbone to deterioration, which causes it to lose its strength. Dental implants are the only option which will protect and save your natural bone. Waiting to get a dental implant can continue to increase the chances of your jawbone not being able to support dental implants in the future.

To stop your teeth from shifting.

Losing a tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and look unnatural. These teeth can become crowded or can be shifted unevenly. This can cause your teeth to become harder to clean and can also cause your face to sag and appear sunken.

These are just a few of the instances in which you should consider getting dental implants. Dental implants are one of the most useful and successful restoration options available today. For more information on how we can restore your smile with dental implants, contact Institute of Facial and Oral Surgery at (703) 729-0077 today.

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facialoralsurgva on
Dec 2nd, 2017 8:00 am
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In our office, we use BOTOX® for aesthetic purposes – specifically to help our patients to turn back the hands of time by temporarily removing wrinkles. In just 5-10 minutes, we are able to give you a youthful look that will boost your self-confidence.

But many of our colleagues out there utilize BOTOX® for medical purposes as well! It may come as a surprise to you – but not too big of a surprise, hopefully, (we wouldn’t want to cause any extra wrinkles, after all!) – that BOTOX® has many uses besides just smoothing out lines.

Here is a fun look at what else BOTOX® is doing for patients these days:

Underarm Sweat

When your deodorant doesn’t do the job, BOTOX® might be able to help. BOTOX® can be used to reduce severe underarm sweat, also known as severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis. BOTOX® reduces sweat by blocking the nerves from reaching the sweat glands, therefore stopping the production of excessive sweat.

Headaches

BOTOX® can be used to treat chronic migraines. While BOTOX® doesn’t fully lessen the effects of a migraine, it has been shown to lessen the intensity as well as reduce the frequency with which migraines occur. The effects from injections helping headaches typically lasts for three months.

Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder and BOTOX® are probably the last two things you would have thought to put together, but BOTOX® has been shown to be beneficial to people that have an overactive bladder. BOTOX® works on the bladder by stabilizing spontaneous retracting and releasing, which leads to less frequent trips to the bathroom!

Overall, BOTOX® comes in handy for issues such as chronic headaches, overactive bladders and excessive underarm sweat. Who would have known that BOTOX® does more than prevent wrinkles?

If you are ready to tackle your age lines and wrinkles, give Institute of Facial and Oral Surgery a call for more information about BOTOX® – we are your BOTOX® experts!

Posted by
facialoralsurgva on
Nov 3rd, 2017 8:00 am
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Patients always wonder why it is recommended that they get their wisdom teeth extracted, or why they even have wisdom teeth in the first place! We always want our patients to be in the know and have all of their questions answered. It is important to understand the benefits of having your wisdom teeth extracted.

We invite you to read through our frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth and the extraction process and call us at 703-729-0077 if you have any questions.

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

Ancient humans had a very different diet than we do today. They needed the third set of molars in order to grind up food that was tougher in texture and harder to digest. They also had larger jaws with more room for their wisdom teeth.

Humans today eat softer foods, or cooked foods, that are far easier to chew and digest. Over time, we have evolved to have smaller jaws and teeth, leaving less room for our third set of molars.

Why do I need to have my wisdom teeth extracted?

There are several benefits to having your wisdom teeth extracted. Keeping your wisdom teeth can cause a variety of short-term, as well as long-term, complications.

♣ Impaction: When there is not enough space in your jaw for your erupting third molars, they can become impacted, causing them to grow in at an angle. Impaction may cause pain or discomfort while eating.

♣ Damage to other teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause damage to your other teeth. When they grow in at an angle, they can push against your second molars, damaging them and potentially causing tooth decay.

♣ Disease: Due to impaction, the narrow spaces between molars allows for bacteria to form more easily, putting you at a higher risk for periodontal (gum) disease, cysts, and inflammation.

When is it okay to keep my wisdom teeth?

Sometimes, there’s enough room in your jaw for your third molars to erupt comfortably and without damaging your other molars. If we see that they may grow in healthy and without impaction, we may recommend that you do not have them extracted. If this is the case, make sure you are going in for regular check-ups and closely monitoring your erupting wisdom teeth.

When should I get my wisdom teeth extracted?

Wisdom teeth generally erupt between the ages of 17-25. Many people get their wisdom teeth extracted before they graduate high school. It is recommended that you get your third molars removed as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more complications can arise. For example, the longer you wait to have them removed, the longer the roots grow. The longer the roots get, the more chance they have of coming in contact with your nerves, possibly causing nerve damage.

If your teen hasn’t yet had his or her wisdom teeth evaluation, please give our office a call at 703-729-0077.

A trending topic right now seems to be the decision to opt for “mini-dental implants” instead of more traditional ones. Below we are going to take a look inside the trend, and lay out some of the benefits and drawbacks so that you can get a better understanding of this exciting trend in dentistry.

Benefits

Mini dental implants are usually less expensive than traditional ones, sometimes costing only 1/3 that of regular implants. They take less time to place and are smaller and less invasive, and can be used in small spaces or for those with inadequate bone mass.

With mini dentures, smaller dentures can be used, leading to a better tasting experience for the palate than a traditional denture would provide.

Mini implants can be placed with minimal recovery time, and usually require very little to no bone grafting.

Drawbacks

Because this is still a fairly new procedure, there are a few downsides. For one, there aren’t enough studies out there on the longevity of these implants, so we don’t know how they hold up over time. A study published in the International Journal of Implant Dentistry in 2016 revealed that traditional dental implant placement has a proven survival rate of 95% or greater. The analysis collected data from over 10,000 implants from 3,095 patients, across three separate private practices over the course of 20 years. For mini dental implants, there isn’t yet enough data to conclude a proper survival rate.

Another concern is that because this is such a new trend there is not as much information or regulation out there. Some practices with claims such as “Dentures-in-a-day” might not do a proper consultation, skipping important steps such as a 3D scan to make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure.

While it may be some time before this method is perfected and adopted, it is also exciting to see the advancements changing people’s lives in the dental industry every day. Check in with Institute of Facial and Oral Surgery to find out what tooth replacement options may be right for you!

The recovery time following dental implant surgery tends to vary, but is usually based on the amount of teeth being implanted, whether or not a bone graft was needed and the individual and how well they manage their recovery. Luckily, the science and technology behind dental implants has improved drastically over the last few years, improving post-surgery pain and comfort for patients.

The patient requiring the least amount of recovery time would be one who had a standard, single dental implant placed with no bone grafting. With a simple procedure like this one, there is very little discomfort or pain after the surgery. Mild bruising and soreness can occur, but is typically manageable with over the counter pain relievers. In more severe implant cases, such as those where multiple teeth are implanted or severe bone grafting needed in order to accomplish the implant, the recovery time tends to be longer and the discomfort can be more intense.

In any cases, it is important to keep your mouth clean after surgery, which can be done by rinsing your mouth gently with salt water beginning the day after surgery. You may begin brushing your teeth the night after the surgery, but make sure to keep it light around the surgery area as to not disrupt the healing in that area. It is also important to remember that in the week following your surgery, there should be no smoking and no sucking through a straw, as this can seriously inhibit your healing process. It is important to stick to a diet primarily consisting of soft foods for the first 7-10 days following your surgery before beginning to return to your normal diet.

As you can see, the recovery process after receiving a dental implant is fairly predictable and comfortable. It is important to follow the instructions that we give you at Institute of Facial and Oral Surgery, and to always remember that if you have any questions or concerns regarding a procedure or following your surgery, you can always give us a call at Leesburg Office Phone Number (703) 729-0077.

Have you started to notice frown lines and crow’s feet around your eyes and are eager to do something about it? Maybe you are are thinking about Botox, but you aren’t sure what to expect.

It is very common to have questions before undergoing any procedure. We want you to know that we are always here to help, let’s start by clearing up some of those questions you might have.

What is Botox?

Botox is the only approved treatment to temporarily improve the appearance of both moderate and severe facial lines in adults. It works beneath the skin and is injected into your muscles to temporarily reduce muscle activity. You will begin to see results within 24 to 48 hours and it lasts up to 4 months.

Does Botox hurt?

Many people say the injection feels like a pinch. We may desensitize the treatment area with ice or a numbing cream for your comfort.

How long does the injection process take?

Botox is quick – typical injections take just about 10 minutes. But it largely depends on the areas you want treated, among other factors. We will discuss this with you during your initial consultation.

Will I look different after Botox treatment?

Initially, you may not notice any difference, but give it 24-48 hours, and you will begin to notice the crow’s feet and frown lines disappear. You will still look like yourself, but without the heavy wrinkling. Even better, you will feel like your youthful self again.

What is the recovery process?

This treatment is called a “lunchtime procedure” because it doesn’t require a lot of downtime and you are able to go about your day to day routine right after you leave the doctor’s office. In fact, many people go right back to work to finish out their day.

Dental implants have a surprisingly rich and interesting history. Across centuries and throughout cultures around the world there is evidence of attempts at replacing missing teeth with various objects and materials.

The oldest dental implants can be traced back to 2000 BC in China, where missing teeth were substituted with bamboo pegs.

Fast forward a bit to around 1000 BC and you’ll find an ancient Egyptian King whose tomb was recently discovered along with his mummified remains; a copper peg hammered into place where a tooth once lived. This may have been the first time in history that we know of when metal implants were used.

Across the globe some time around 300 BC, an iron tooth was found in a French grave thought to be Celtic in origin. It is possible this implant may have been a post-mortem placement to honor the dead, as an attempt to perform the surgery using a live patient would have been an excruciatingly painful process.

Just 2000 years ago missing teeth were being substituted for animal teeth, and the poor were even selling their teeth to the wealthy, just to make ends meet! The body often rejected these surrogate teeth, causing infection.

More recently in 1931 in Honduras, Dr. Wilson Monroe and his wife found a jawbone amongst other artifacts, with teeth fashioned from shells and attached to the jawbone of an ancient man.

Today we are lucky enough to have dental implants that not only look and feel like real teeth, and anesthesia for the pain is also a plus. Thanks to studies conducted by Per-Ingvar Brånemark of Sweden in the 1950’s, oral surgeons have been able to perfect the process over the years to create today’s implants, which have a 98% success rate! Through a process known as osseointegration, metals and other implant materials are able to be skillfully placed so that your jaw bone actually attaches itself to the implant creating a seamless support system.

Before plastic surgery, we want you to go into your consultation well prepared so that you can get the most information available, helping you make the decision that is right for you.

Below we have compiled a list of common questions that we hear from our patients that you may want to ask as well.

Questions about anesthesia:

Important questions to ask about local and general anesthesia include asking about the type of anesthesia, where it came from, and who will be administering it. It is important to know that your anesthesia administrator is experienced in order to prevent complications. We work with a certified anesthesiologist or registered nurse anesthetist to make sure that you receive the correct type and amount of anesthesia for your body type, age and size.

What will my procedure cost in total with all fees included?

This is an important question to ask, as the procedures are not usually covered by one’s insurance as they are elective in nature. While the cost of the procedure may have been advertised at a promotional price, there are often other fees to take into account such as anesthesia, operating room expenses, and materials (such as implants).
How many procedures of this type have you performed?
We want you to feel comfortable with our skills, so we are happy to share with you our experience in your particular procedure. As a more experienced surgeon, I have the experience needed to be able to truly assess your needs and give you a more comprehensive idea about whether plastic surgery is right for you.

Am I a good candidate for this procedure?

Just because an outcome of a procedure seems appealing to you doesn’t always mean that you are good candidate for that particular procedure. We all have different body types and medical needs, and often times there are multiple options for achieving the same results. We will discuss alternative options during your consultation.

How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?

Many patients have concerns about recovery times and whether or not we will still be accessible to check in and make sure everything is still going smoothly months after their surgery. It is important to ask questions about the recovery process so that you can not only mentally prepare yourself, but also make arrangements to accommodate your recovery needs.

What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure? How are complications handled?

Some procedures can be more invasive, and therefor more risky than others. We have specific procedures in place for handling complications and asking these kinds of questions can help put your mind at ease if you are experiencing pre-op anxiety.

What results are reasonable for me to expect?

Every patient’s outcome will be unique, but you may be able to get a good idea about yours by looking at before and after photos of those who shared similar features as you before their surgery.

Asking the right questions is key to achieving the look you want, and will help take away some of the stress and doubts that you currently hold. Think you’re ready to take the next step? So do we! Call us today to set up a consultation!

Posted by
facialoralsurgva on
May 3rd, 2017 9:48 am
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